SHERBROOKE — Politicians are used to serving their communities, but a group here will take it to a whole different level later this month as part of a fundraiser that will benefit the St. Mary’s Food Bank.
Hosted by owner Tammie Vautour at her popular Beanie’s Bistro eatery, the special dinner on Monday, Oct. 16 will feature Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s elected representatives Warden Greg Wier, Deputy Warden James Fuller and Councillor Beulah Malloy, along with Guysborough-Tracadie MLA and provincial agriculture minister Greg Morrow as ‘celebrity’ wait staff.
“It is something that we did at my previous restaurant in Manitoba,” Vautour said of the upcoming celebration – one that she has dubbed Feast for a Cause.
She recently dusted off the fundraising idea during discussions with Fuller; the pair were brainstorming ways in which to assist the food bank, especially with the holiday season – one that brings increased demands for its services – approaching quickly.
As for the format of the fundraiser, Vautour explained that the celebrity servers will participate in a “friendly competition” for tips from guests, which will be donated to the local food bank. She noted that donations will also be accepted from those who may not be able to attend, or are not interested in dining.
During the two sittings that evening – at 5 and 7 p.m. – guests will enjoy a mouth-watering menu starting with appetizer choices: mussels, seafood chowder, autumn salad and French onion soup, while the main course selections included hot honey salmon, braised beef, mushroom ravioli and spinach cannelloni. Flourless chocolate torte and tiramisu are the desserts.
“And a few other surprises,” Vautour, who was putting the finishing touches on the menu on Thanksgiving Monday morning, told The Journal.
The first Feast for a Cause – something she hopes to make an annual event – will mark the latest contribution Vautour and Beanie’s Bistro has made to the area.
“I love this community,” she offered.
Noting that giving back is “just me,” whether or not she owns a business, Vautour explained that having the restaurant has provided her with an “opportunity to help out in a larger way.”
As the holiday season draws closer, along with the ongoing increase in food insecurity throughout the year, she offered that organizers saw the importance of providing a boost to the local food bank.
“We want to be able to help in whatever way that we can,” Vautour said.
She noted that she also has a couple of ideas for food bank fundraisers that she plans to carry out in November and December.
Vautour noted that there is “already quite a bit of competitiveness” amongst the celebrity servers, regarding who will bring in the highest number of tips-donations.
“We have also started receiving donations from community members who are unable to attend,” she said.
Donations to Feast for a Cause may be made at tammie@beaniesbistro.ca.
To make a reservation for one of the dinner sittings, drop by 27 Main St. in Sherbrooke, or call Beanie’s Bistro at 902-522-2044.
